Career Exposure and Exploration Programs in Western Mass

Inventory of Career Exposure and Exploration Programs in Western Mass

Baystate Springfield Educational Partnership (BSEP) is a high school healthcare career pathway program for high school-age students.  While it is open to students in the Hampden County area, the program prioritizes residents of Springfield, Mass. It includes exploration of many different health careers, a teen mini-medical school, and summer workshops to give students interested in healthcare careers more information about professions and direct access to people currently employed in the field.   Since its beginning in 2007, BSEP has served 1,800 students in the program across three course cycles: fall, winter/spring, and summer. Many of the students moved onto post-secondary education and/or employment in the field. The program has provided more than 300 work experiences or internships to residents of Springfield and, currently, over 280 students work Baystate Health.  If students wish to join the program, we require attendance at a BSEP orientation.   One can register for an orientation at www.healthcarefutures.org.

The Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers opportunities for high school students to learn about careers in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and occupational therapy through hands-on learning experiences. This day camp is open to high school students who demonstrate strong academic skills and an interest in pharmacy or the pharmaceutical sciences and/or occupational therapy.  Program is free to participants.

Highlights:

• Learn about different career paths in pharmacy and/or occupational therapy;
• Get tips on how to prepare for a career in pharmacy and/or occupational therapy;
• Hands on activities and demonstrations;
• Camp is free for all participants
• Work with current students and Faculty

Participants can apply online at wne.edu/pharmcamp. See camp schedule.

The Baystate Franklin Medical Center Student Ambassador Program provide high-school students with an opportunity to experience the variety of healthcare professions available to them before deciding on a college or major field of study as well as the diverse careers offered within the hospital setting. Applications are currently available in the guidance offices at most high schools in Franklin County and at Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s Volunteer Services office. Applicants should be prepared to provide contact information for three references, including an academic source, an extracurricular activity leader, and a personal reference.

The Baystate Medical Center Student (Springfield) Ambassador Program is a summer-long commitment. Students are required to volunteer a full day (always the same assigned day) once a week and attend evening hands-on, educational in-services.  In order to qualify for a certificate of completion for this program, students must volunteer at least 5 weeks (days) during the summer and must attend a minimum of two of the evening sessions.

The Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Chicopee Comprehensive High School (CCHS) Career Pathways Initiative is a dual enrollment health education option for CCHS students.  Students who are enrolled in the Health Science Academy earn college credit through articulation agreements or college classes offered by the College on-line or in person at the high school. The career pathway model links and integrates high school and postsecondary curricula with industry-recognized skills, knowledge and certification. The Initiative is informed by work being conducted within the Pathways to Prosperity Network, an initiative of Jobs for the Future and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Greenfield Community College’s STEM Starter Academy is part of a statewide initiative to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Our program is for students new to STEM (including high school students) who are interested in attending GCC—for free! Participants take a summer science, technology, engineering or math class, receive intensive advising, tutoring and career support, and participate in special STEM-focused activities.

The Westfield Promise is an early college program offered through Westfield State in partnership with Westfield Public Schools, Holyoke Public Schools, and Springfield Public Schools.  The program enables high schools students to earn up to 12 college credits by the time they graduate high school, greatly increasing the likelihood that they’ll go on to earn a college degree.

Transition to College & Careers (TCC) is a free non-credit program offered both days and evenings that helps adult students 18+ prepare for college and identify a career path. The program includes intensive academic preparation in English reading and writing, math, study strategies, and computers in a college context. We offer college navigation, career advising, and tutoring in an environment conducive to learning.

School-to-Career Dropout Prevention and Recovery Initiative: Combining work and learning is a powerful and effective dropout prevention strategy providing many students a reason to stay in school. Students who participate in school-to-career programs attend school more regularly and graduate at a higher rate than their peers. Students also gain valuable work experience, career awareness and connections outside their communities. Under the direction of the MHHCWB, local School-to-Career Partnerships connect high school students with area employers offering work-based learning experiences.